There is no person in this world that who has not fallen prey at least once to anger. And if all of us attended anger management classes, there would be a lot less people around us. At the same time, we also all know how hard it is to live with people who get angry. Although anger is not a comfortable emotion, it is a normal and sometimes healthy to display it. Usually people are angry after they were injured or after feeling vulnerable. And anger gives power to strike back. When a person gets hurt, thet feeling of vulnerability turns into anger and than the subject does not feel helpless anymore. Anger helps people respond to threats or attacks and defend when someone wants to hurt them. But anger is very dangerous for your body. Adrenaline and blood pressure levels are abnormal. In addition, an angry person can hurt someone or do something they will later regret. Therefore, it is important to know how to master anger. So here are ten tips that will help you how to control yourself so that anger will never control your life.
1. Take a break
It may sound a cliché, but counting to ten is a real help in controlling your anger issues. Another option is to leave the “battlefield” for a while so you can control your temper.
2. Relax and use visualization
Calm down. Breathe deeply. As you exhale, imagine that the anger accumulated comes out form your nose and mouth. Release it and feel free. Repeat the exercise until you feel calm. Then visualize yourself in a place where you feel happy, calm and relaxed. It might be a beach, a garden or anywhere you”d like to be. Picture yourself there while you are breathing calmly. By doing this exercise you will restore your inner peace very easily.
3. Forgive and forget
Nothing heals emotional wounds easier than forgiving the person who has done wrong by you in the past. It is unhealthy to torture yourself daily with unpleasant memories caused by the actions of others. Have you even lost something important worth sacrificing your health and lifestyle? Of course not.
4. Start exercising
Physical activity helps relieve negative emotions , especially if you”re about to erupt. Take a walk, run, swim, go to the gym and so on, do anything to relieve the burden of anger. Specialists will also recommend you more violent workouts, it the sense that you are able to hit something and release yourself from all those negative thoughts without taking anger management classes. A lot cheaper, right?
5. Think twice before you burst
Think twice before you say something because you might regret it afterwards. It’s better to control yourself for a few moments than to be sorry your entire life.
6. Confided in a friend
You feel liberated if you talk to a friend about the problems that burden you. Therefore, it is good to have someone to talk to when you”re feeling down, you”re depressed, you”re angry or in other occasions where you feel a overwhelming burden on your shoulders. Just make sure it is someone you trust, because if not, you will have another source of anger.
7. Talk in the first person
When you talk to describe a problem, is is advisable to talk in your own name, thus avoiding criticism or blaming someone. For example you can say “I”m upset that you didn’t give me a helping hand in the kitchen tonight”. If you do the opposite, you will not only make your partner angry and a fight will start immediately .
8. Use humor to diffuse to relax the situation
Use humor to reduce tension by imagining yourself or the other person in funny situations. Beware of using sarcasm, since it can easily be confused with humor. Tell a joke, make fun of yourself.
9. Listen to relaxing music
Relaxation music soothes the soul. A session of listening to this music, while you”re sitting comfortably will free your spirit. From time to time, breathe deeply. If music is not an option at a certain moment, try to play that song in your head. Remember how Ally McBeal used to have a theme song? That is exactly what you need to get better. Sure is better than those anger management classes.
10. Pray
Never underestimate the power of prayer. When people cannot control anger, dangerous consequences may occur. Ask for help in the form of prayer.
Anger is good and bad at the same time. Over time, it has allowed people to adapt and evolve. It was also the source of many troubles. Once released, the energy that supplies it, gives rise to violent reactions directed on others and on ourselves. Objects are destroyed and battered relations stand as witness for this state. When repressed, it can turn into negative feelings or own discomfort. Left alone, it makes us aggressive, mischievous and sneaky.
So, like we previously stated, a little bit of anger empowers you, but, just like any other emotion or action, is this the excess that has negative consequences.
Are there any other techniques you use to control anger? What is the workt thing you have ever don while feeling angry? Have you ever experienced the positive effects of anger (empowerment, confidence)? Make sure you share your tips with the rest of our readers.
Photo credits: Inspiration Feed, Jenni Mullinix, Excuisite Girl, Amerikanki, Zen to Fitness, Cha Cha, Across the Fader, Olive Coco Mag, Pat Dollard, Time and Date.
When I’m nervous the best idea that comes is going to the gym. Exercise calms me down and relaxes me automatically. I release the anger and nerves accumulate both at work and at home!
To keep my anger under control? The hardest possible … especially when I get home from work, the sink is full of dirty dishes, children crying of hunger and husband watch TV, what should I do?? Once I think I should go from home to see how they are doing 🙂